by Rabbi Moishe Kievman
Hundreds of curious Jews will be streaming into Miami, Florida, for the eighteenth National Jewish Retreat, which will run at Miami’s Doral Hotel from August 14 to August 18. Seventy speakers will deliver one hundred and fifty talks on intriguing Jewish topics over five days.
This is a unique opportunity for people in a similar place on their Jewish journey to meet up, and while they decompress and network, they’re soaking up gobs of knowledge and inspiration.”
Coordinated by the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI)—headquartered in Brooklyn, New York—the annual retreat will run at the tail end of the summer, from August 14 to August 18, making it a great segway into the coming year and a great way to get ready for Rosh Hashana.
The retreat brings together Jews from around the world, of all backgrounds, and immerses them in the richness of Jewish thought. It’s a luxurious vacation in a five-star hotel, where participants rub shoulders with the world’s most sought-after Jewish thinkers and speakers, and mingle with like-minded peers. The inspirational program also serves up lavish spreads, hysterical comedy shows, and soulful concerts.
“There’s no other program on this scale,” says retreat chairman Rabbi Hesh Epstein of Columbia, South Carolina. “You’re experiencing authentic Jewish learning and living, and you’re doing it in style. It’s a spa for the mind and body.”
Amid the rise in antisemitism and the ongoing war in Israel, this retreat serves as a sanctuary of Jewish pride and resilience. Here, the sacred teachings of the Torah come alive, offering timeless practices, values and lessons that heal and unite us. Through learning and togetherness, we reaffirm our strength and collective identity.
Since its launch in 2006, the National Jewish Retreat has traveled across the nation— including visits to Connecticut, Virginia, and California—leaving thousands supercharged with inspiration. The event attracts people of all levels of knowledge and all affiliations, including those with no prior background in Jewish learning. Attendees are not affiliated with any single synagogue or temple.
“The Retreat continues to be the educational, intellectual, spiritual and gastronomical highlight of the year” said Irving Boinman of Columbus, OH. “This will be my 13th time attending!”
Children are also welcome to attend together with their parents. The friendly and dedicated staff of Camp Gan Israel is committed to providing each child with the highest level of care and attention. They will enjoy an array of activities, educational games, and exciting trips.
The event starts on a Wednesday and goes through Sunday, and participants can choose to stay for the entire retreat or just the days they choose. Those coming from South Florida may also opt to come just for the programs without reserving a hotel room..
Interested participants may call 305-770-1919 or visit JLIflorida.com for registration and other event-related information. You can also get a discount when using promo code ChabadChayil24 while making the reservation.
About the author:
Rabbi Kievman together with his wife are the ambassadors of The Rebbe to Highland Lakes, FL. They are the founders of Gan Chabad Preschool, your local CTeen & CKids chapters, CHAP – an afterschool program for Jewish children in Public Schools and direct Chabad Chayil. He’s the rabbi at The Family Shul and can be reached at (305) 770-1919 or rabbi@ChabadChayil.org. You can also support the community with your partnership at ChabadChayil.org/Donate.
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